AUCKLAND. – Australian coach Alen Stajcic declined numerous offers so he can complete his mission with the Filipinas in their debut in the FIFA Women’s World Cup here.
Stajcic’s faith in the Nationals was as firm as ever before he and his charges leave Monday for their all-or-nothing clash with the Ferns on Tuesday at the Sky Stadium in Wellington.
“Despite the result, we have a lot of belief,” Stajcic said after the Filipinas absorbed a 0-2 loss to Switzerland in their unforgettable FIFA Women’s World Cup Group A opening match last week at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in the chilly southern city of Dunedin.
“We all knew that it was an amazing performance (by the Filipinas) for a debut in the World Cup,” stressed the Australian tactician, noting that his players displayed poise against the fancied Swiss early on in the match.
“There are so many people who may have questioned how nervous the team was going into the first game, and if they did belong and should be here,” he said, “but I think we showed that we belong at this level.
“For a first effort in the World Cup, I really thought our players were amazing. Everyone back home in the Philippines and all their fans should be really proud how they represented the country.”
He pointed to the early going when his wards, who are supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, showed great resolve and resiliency, hanging on against a squad 20 rungs higher than them in the FIFA women’s world rankings at No. 26.
“In the first 15 to 20 minutes, I thought we were exceptional and (these) probably were the best moments for us,” the Aussie mentor said. “It just shows how well we prepared as a team.”
With the lessons learned from their last match against the Swiss, the Filipinas continued to refine their play at their training facility at the Olympic Park here Sunday before heading for Wellington Monday on the eve of their game against the hosts.
The last time the two sides met, the Ferns emerged with a come-from-behind 2-1 win in a friendly at the Titans Stadium in Fullerton, California.
The Filipinas will face not only an inspired side still riding high on the momentum of its 1-0 upset of Norway at the Eden Park here last week, but also the hometown fans who are expected to fill every nook and cranny of the 34,000-seat arena.
